Applied Behavior Analysis (CERT)

Unit: College of Education and Human Development

Department:  Elementary, Middle and Secondary Teacher Education

Certificate Information

The online Master of Education (MEd) in Special Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis was designed for professionals who want to develop expertise in applied behavior analysis without obtaining a teaching license.

UofL's online master's in special education can prepare you to meet learners' behavioral challenges and needs through a comprehensive curriculum; one that includes a verified course sequence (VCS) for those seeking to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). As a student, you will learn how to become a behavior analyst knowledgeable of your science, effective in your practice and ethical in your interactions.

The MEd in Special Education in Applied Behavior Analysis is offered by the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Louisville.

Highlights

• Prepare to work with students who have intellectual disabilities that impede academic achievement and adaptive behavior skills (e.g., communication, social behavior and daily living activities).
• Take advantage of the opportunity to complete the educational requirements necessary to sit for your Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification examination.*
• Complete your degree in as little as two years.
• Experience the flexibility of a fully online program—designed to fit your life with 24/7 access to classes and coursework completed when it’s right for you.
• Skip the GRE/GMAT—it's not required for admission.
• Learn from faculty with distinguished academic credentials, industry experience and a strong commitment to applied research.

*Students will complete most of the required 2,000 hours of supervised field experience on their own outside of the program after earning the degree.

How to Apply for the Online MEd in Special Education in Applied Behavior Analysis

• Start your application for graduate admission
• Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
• Upload required materials*
• Request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email:  gradadm@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Graduate School, 2211 S. Brook St., Louisville, KY 40292.
• Upload your signed Acceptable Use of Technology and Code of Ethics statement to your online graduate application
• Create a financial plan

This program is open to all eligible candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.

START YOUR APPLICATIONREQUEST INFORMATION

Online MEd in Special Education in Applied Behavior Analysis Admissions Requirements and Materials

To be considered for admission, applicants must have:

• a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution
• coursework in in special education, psychology, speech language pathology, occupational therapy or social work
• a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
• a professional certification/license/experience in a field related to autism/intellectual disability

^*Required application packet materials include: 

• a personal statement of no more than 500 words, double-spaced, describing your interest in the program and whether you wish to apply to the program as a full-time or part-time student
• two letters of recommendation from people who are well acquainted with your previous academic work

*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started the graduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.

Online MEd in Special Education in Applied Behavior Analysis for International Students

If you live outside of the United States and intend to complete an online academic program from your home country, be sure to view  special requirements for international students.

• Students for whom English is not their primary language must show English language proficiency by successfully completing one of the following:
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination  – minimum score: 6.5
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination  – 85 or higher on the internet-based TOEFL
  • Duolingo English Test with Subscores  – minimum score of 105 and exam must have been taken after January 1, 2020. Note: Students who have earned a degree from an accredited college or university in the U.S. are not required to complete the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo.

Transfer Credit for Online MEd in Special Education: Applied Behavior Analysis Students

If you have received graduate credit from another institution, you may transfer up to 6 credits that directly replace approved courses in the program. Approval must be granted by the program director.

For more information on the admission and application process, please contact our Online Learning Enrollment Counselors at 800.871.8635 or by email at online@louisville.edu.

Certificate Requirements

The online MEd in special education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis is a 30 credit hour (10 course) program. This program is not designed to lead to teacher certification. The program is offered 100% online. Courses are a combination of synchronous/asynchronous and delivered in standard term length. Additional practicum hours are available for full-time students.
 

Entry, midpoint and exit assessments are also required for graduation.

START YOUR APPLICATION REQUEST INFORMATION

Online MEd in Special Education: Applied Behavior Analysis Course Descriptions

EDSP 546 Behavior Analytic Approach to Communication
This course prepares practitioners to use principles of ABA to assess and teach communication skills to individuals with disabilities and develop knowledge of current AAC technology and assessment procedures.

EDSP 603 Experimental Analysis of Behavior
Students will develop competence in understanding how principles of behavior are discovered and described in the context of basic research.

EDSP 605 Concepts and Principles of Behavior Analysis
Students will develop competence in the use of technical terminology pertaining to the concepts and principles of behavior analysis.

EDSP 651 Professional and Ethical Practice of Applied Behavior Analysis
This course is designed to address behavioral consultation across settings. Particular emphasis will be placed on professional ethics as well as the skills necessary for successful consultation.

EDSP 654 Radical Behaviorism
This course will address the philosophical assumptions and theories that inform the science of behavior, specifically as they relate to the writings of B.F. Skinner.

EDSP 669 Single Case Research Methods and Designs
Students will learn principles and methods of designing single subject research in educational settings and are required to design and defend a research proposal.

EDSP 671 Behavior Intervention
Students will examine instructional approaches used with students with disabilities. Emphasis is placed on research-based strategies that have utility in facilitating increases in communication, social, and academic skills in educational settings.

EDSP 678 Comprehensive Review of Applied Behavior Analysis
Students will survey and assess their skills and foundational knowledge related to the science of applied behavior analysis in preparation for the board certification exam.

EDSP 680 Behavior Analytic Approach to Supervision and Consultation
This course will introduce students to research and practice related to the supervision and management of behavior analytic practitioners and the application of behavior analytic principles in effective consultation.

The MEd in Special Education in Applied Behavior Analysis currently accepts applications for the Fall semester, with an August start. You can view application deadlines and requirements on our Application tab.

No, the MEd in Special Education in Applied Behavior Analysis does not lead to teacher certification. This program is designed for professionals who want to develop expertise in applied behavior analysis without obtaining a teaching license.

The online Master of Education in Special Education in Applied Behavior Analysis is designed for professionals who want to develop expertise in applied behavior analysis without obtaining a teaching license.

If you’re an educator seeking a Rank II and are interested in autism spectrum disorder and applied behavior analysis, please check out the concentration within the MEd in Teaching and Learning—also available 100% online!

Students in the MEd in Applied Behavior Analysis program’s traditional option will complete a verified course sequence (VCS) for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Certification Exam, allowing them to meet the educational requirements for board certification. Only one practicum course is included in this sequence of coursework, making this a good option for working students. However, it is important to note that hours completed during the required practicum are separate from the fieldwork supervision hours required for the BACB exam.

In addition to coursework requirements, students must complete 2,000 hours of supervised field experience to be eligible to take the BACB exam. Hours completed during the field-based practicum experience may be used toward both the course and the BACB fieldwork hours, as long as the requirements for both are met. In this option, students will complete most of the required supervised field experience hours on their own outside of the program after earning the degree. It is important for prospective students to understand that they will not be eligible to sit for the BCBA exam until they have completed all requirements, including 2,000 hours of supervised fieldwork. Because the supervised fieldwork hours are not completed during the program, the traditional (non-concentration) option within the MEd in Applied Behavior Analysis at University of Louisville is not designed to prepare students for licensure immediately upon graduation in any US state or other jurisdiction.

For more information about professional licensure, you can view our Professional Licensure Notifications and Disclosures resource.

Yes, there is financial aid available for this program. You can learn more by visiting our Financial Aid tab on the Tuition page.